ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
5th India - Myanmar bilateral meeting on Drug Control Cooperation held virtually
Both countries agreed upon exchange of intelligence information in timely manner to conduct follow-up investigation in drug seizure cases, new psychotropic substances and their precursors
The 5th India- Myanmar Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation between the Narcotics Control Bureau , India and the Central Committee on Drug Abuse Control, Myanmar was held virtually on 10th December, 2020. The Indian delegation was led by the Director General Narcotics Control Bureau, Shri Rakesh Asthana, and the Myanmar delegation was led by the Commander of the Drug Enforcement Division  cum Joint Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, Pol. Brig. Gen. Win Naing.
The Director General NCB, Shri Rakesh Asthana, highlighted issues particularly the trafficking of Heroin and Amphetamine Type Stimulants  in the country. He said that high prevalence of drug abuse in the North Eastern States abutting the Myanmar border is a major cause of concern for India. Apart from porosity of the India-Myanmar border, drug trafficking through the maritime route in Bay of Bengal has emerged as a new challenge for both countries. NCB has remained committed towards strengthening the existing mechanism of sharing information and assistance with Myanmar, for combating the drug menace in the region.
The Commander of DED, Pol. Brig. Gen. Win Naing elaborated on the growing threat of the production of yaba tablets  which has caused a grave concern in the region, even though the cooperation mechanism between Myanmar and India has been enhanced over the past years. He urged India to develop frequent information exchange on trafficking of drugs and precursor smuggling activities at every level. The Commander of the DED complimented the Government of India and the NCB for their continuous efforts to combat the growing threat of the drug menace.
Both countries agreed on the exchange of intelligence information in a timely manner to conduct follow-up investigations in drug seizure cases, new psychotropic substances and their precursors. They also agreed to conduct Border Level Officers/Field Level Officers meetings on regular basis between frontline officers to strengthen the existing cooperation on drug law enforcement. It was decided to exchange information on illegal entry and exit points of illicit drug trafficking on the Myanmar-India borders and information on technology being used to interdict drug trafficking.
The meeting concluded with exchange of thanks and greetings for constructive and meaningful discussions and committed to such cooperation in the future, with the decision to hold the 6th India - Myanmar Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation in India in 2021.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Delhi Metro's Phase -4 project
17 Underground and 29 elevated Stations along 61.679 km the 3 corridors
15 stations between Aerocity to Tughlakabad
25 stations between R K Ashram to Janakpuri West
6 stationsbetween Maujpur and Mukundpur
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approvedDelhi Metro's Phase -4 projectcomprising of 3 - priority corridors. The total length of these 3 corridors is 61.679 km. Out of the total 61.679 km, 22.359 km will be built underground and 39.320 km will be constructed as elevated section. These corridors will consist of 46 stations, of which 17 stations will be underground and the rest 29 stations will be constructed as elevated sections.
The total completion cost of three metro corridors will be Rs.24,948.65 crore. The project will be implemented by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. , the existing 50:50 Special Purpose Vehicle  of the Government of India and Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi .
Connectivity Highlights:
1. Aerocity to Tughlakabad - 15 Stations 
2. R. K Ashram to JanakpuriWest - 25 Stations
3. Maujpur - Mukundpur - 6 Stations
The 3 corridors consist of both underground  and elevated  sections.
Impact:
These corridors of phase - 4 project will expand the coverage of Metro network thereby connecting more areas of the national capital. On completion of these corridors, the Metro commuters will have more interchange stations which will connect the new corridors with the existing lines of Delhi Metro. The improved connectivity will offer commuters more options of travel by optimization of routes. The addition of 61.679 km network through these 3 new corridors will also reduce congestion on the roads and will thus help in reducing pollution caused by motor vehicles. The Tughlakabad - Aerocity corridor will further improve connectivity to the Airport. The total network length of the Delhi Metro will cross the 400 kilometre mark after the completion of these corridors.
Special Service and Features
Holidays to be observed by Central Government Offices in Kerala in 2022
The list of Holidays for the year 2022 to be observed by Central Government Offices in Kerala has been published. In 2022, there will be 17 holidays and 41 restricted holidays.
Holidays:
January 26: Republic Day
March 1: Mahashivaratri,
April 14: Mahavira Jayanti, April 15: Good Friday,
May 2: Idu'l-Fitr , May 16: Buddhapurnima,
July 9: Idu'l Zuha 
August 8: Muharram, August 15: Independence Day, August 19: Janmashtami
September 8: Thiruvonam
October 2: Gandhi Jayanti, October 5: Vijaya Dashami, October 8: Milad-Un-Nabi , October 24: Diwali
November 08: Guru Nanak Jayanti
December 25: Christmas.
Of these, May 2: Eid al-Fitr, July 9: Bakrid, August 8: Muharram, and October 8: Milad-Un-Nabi  have been adopted from the State list. If the State Government changes any of these Holidays, only the changed date will be observed as a Holiday for the Central Government Offices in Kerala
Two of the 41 restricted holidays are available to Central Government employees. These include the following special days in Kerala: March 12: Ayya Vaikundaswamy Jayanti, July 28: Karkadaka Vavu, September 7: First Onam, September 9: Third Onam, September 10 - Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti, September 21: Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi Day, October 4: Mahanavami
The decision regarding finalization of the list of holidays to be observed by Central Government Offices in 2022 was taken at a meeting of the Central Government Welfare Employees Coordination Committee in Thiruvananthapuram.
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Ministry of Education
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan meets the family of Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiyar in Varanasi today during the ongoing Kashi Tamil Sangamam
Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today in Varanasi met Shri K V Krishnan, 96-year-old nephew of Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiyar and his family.
One of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time, Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s home on the banks of Hanuman Ghat in Kashi is a pilgrimage. He said that Subramania Bharathiyar’s ideals on social justice and women empowerment is more relevant now than ever. Kashi had a profound influence on shaping Bharathiyar’s personality and KashiTamilSangamam celebrates the philosophical unity and commonality between our two great cultures, he further added. He also said that Mahakavi will forever be an inspiration for next generations.
Prime Minister's Office
PM launches development projects at Greater Noida;
Lays foundation stone of Buxar and Khurja Thermal Power Plants
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today, visited Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, and launched various development projects.
At Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology, the PrimeMinister flagged off the Noida City Centre – Noida Electronic City section of Metro through video link.He also laid the foundation stone of two 1320 MW Thermal Power Plants at Khurja in Uttar Pradesh and Buxar in Bihar.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology. He unveiled a statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya at the campus and paid floral tributes. Later he also visited the Deendayal Museum in the Institute campus.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister said that Noidahas been completely transformed. Noida is now known for development and creating employment opportunities for youth, PM said.He added that Noida is being developed as the Make in India hub of the nation. In this context, Prime Minister mentioned about the presence of various electronic companies in Noida, including the world’s largest mobile factory.
The Prime Minister said that the country’s biggest airport is being built in Jewar, in Uttar Pradesh. Once completed, Jewar airport will not only bring ease of living but also will be economically beneficial to Uttar Pradesh.He also mentioned about the various airports being built all around the country. He added that the Union Government is committed towards providing air connectivity to smaller cities through UDAN Yojana.
Speaking about the Government’s initiative towards improving the power sector in India, Prime Minister said that his government focused on all four aspects of power generation, ie, Production, Transmission, Distribution and Connection. He said that such an approach has completely transformed the power sector and One Nation- One Grid has now become a reality. The Government has also given right impetus to renewable energy sector also, PM said. He added that his dream is ‘One World, One Sun, One Grid’.
The Prime Minister said that the thermal power plants launched at Buxar and Khurgawill accelerate India’s growth and will transform the power availability in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other neighbouringstates. He spoke about the huge jump in power generation in the past four and half years.
Inaugurating the Pandit Deendayal UpadhyayaInstitute of Archaeology, Prime Minister said that the institute will provide modern amenities for research scholars and students from India and all over the world.
The Prime Minister said that a New India is being created. He added that this has been possible due to the strength and support given by 125 crore Indians. He reiterated the Union Government’s commitment towards eliminating corruption in the country.Saluting the bravery of the soldiers in giving a befitting response to terrorists, Prime Minister said that the Government will continue to take strong decisions against terrorism.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
CMD, IREDA addresses “MSME Banking Conclave 2022”
IREDA committed to extend loan facilities to MSMEs for Renewable Energy projects
Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director , Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited , while speaking at the "MSME Banking Conclave 2022", today assured that IREDA is committed to increasing participation of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises  in Renewable Sector by offering loan facilities.
Union Minister of State for Finance, Dr Bhagwat Karad, has graced the MSME Banking Conclave 2022 as Chief Guest, which was organized by MSME Business Forum India. In his address, Dr. Karad appreciated the efforts of IREDA for the overall development of the Renewable Energy sector.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Pradip Kumar Das stated that while MSMEs only represent 1.86% of the company's total loan assets of Rs. 33,884 crores , IREDA is attempting to address the issues of MSMEs in order to increase their participation in RE sector. He emphasized that the target of 500 GW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2030 cannot be achieved without the considerable participation of MSMEs. Therefore, MSME's efforts will be a crucial driver of Aatmnirbhar Bharat. He further said that he is quite confident that India will easily achieve the target of 50% share of energy from non-fossil fuels and also the 500 GW Renewable Energy capacity before the deadline of 2030 set by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
A major barrier for MSMEs entrepreneurs is the inability to getting loans with reasonable interest rates, but IREDA has significantly improved the "ease of doing business" in terms of faceless loan sanctions and disbursements, reduction in loan sanction, documentation and disbursement cycle and increased geographical footprint in the country, added CMD, IREDA.
Shri Das highlighted that despite second and third waves of COVID pandemic, IREDA has reported historic all-time high annual Profit After Tax  of Rs. 634 Crores and Profit Before Tax  of Rs. 834 Crores in the FY 2021-22, registering a massive growth of 82.88% and 46.41%, respectively over FY 2020-21. IREDA is the 1st CPSE to publish its Audited Financial Results within 30 days ensuring its commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance. He reaffirmed that the company is committed to addressing the adverse effects of climate change and reducing pollution levels by reducing CO2 emissions through financing support for the RE projects.
Ministry of Finance
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2018-19  – Issue Price
Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, Sovereign Gold Bonds 2018-19  will be opened for the period
November 05-09, 2018. The issue price of the Bond during this subscription period i.e. November 05-09, 2018, shall be `3,183  – per gram with Settlement on November 13, 2018, as also published by RBI in their Press Release dated October 12, 2018.
Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, has decided to allow discount of `50  per gram from the issue price to those investors who apply online and the payment is made through digital mode. For such investors the issue price of Gold Bond will be `3,133  per gram of gold.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana accorded approvals to the proposals of 35 States/Union Territories and other Implementing agencies amounting to Rs. 12035.07crores during the last two financial years
Fish production in the country reached an all-time high at 162.48 lakh tonne in 2021-22, recording a cumulative growth of 14.72% during the last three years
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying under “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana ” during the last two financial years  and the current financial year  has accorded approvals to the proposals of 35 States/Union Territories and other Implementing agencies amounting to Rs. 12035.07crores with central share of Rs. 4536.36 crore. Out of the central funds of Rs. 2103.42 crore released to various States/UTs and other implementing agencies during the above said period, an amount of Rs. 1122.68 crore has been utilized under PMMSY, as reported by the States/UTs/Other Implementing agencies. The overall fish production in the country reached an all-time high at 162.48 lakh tonne in 2021-22 from 141.63 lakh tonne in 2019-20 recording a cumulative growth of 14.72% during the last three years.
Foreseeing the immense potential, the Government of India has taken up several initiatives to harness the potential of fisheries and aquaculture sector in a sustainable and responsible manner and to realize the better economic returns. The initiatives inter-alia include  implementation of a flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana  with an investment of Rs.20,050 crore for a period of five years with effect from the financial year 2020-21 to 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories,  creation and implementation of a dedicated fund namely, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund’  with a total fund size of Rs.7,522.48 crore for providing concessional finance for creation of fisheries infrastructures and  extending the facility of Kisan Credit Card  to fisheries farmers to meet their working capital needs.
This information was given by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
MoES-Knowledge Resource Centre Network  Launched on the Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences
Under the Digital India initiative of Government of India, Ministry of Earth Sciences aims to develop a World-Class Knowledge Resource Centre Network .Keeping in mind the spectacular developments in information technology, the traditional libraries of the MoES system will be upgraded into a top-notch Knowledge Resource Centres . KRCs will be connected with each other and integrated into the KRCNet portal. It will be a single point entry to the intellectual world of Ministry of Earth Sciences .
The resources and services of MoES system will be accessible 24X7 through a one point dynamic, updated and integrated KRCNet portal. A pilot project has been developed at MoESheadquarters which will be integrated with other MoES institutes.
Salient objectives of the KRCNet:
- Establish a Total Quality Management  system by securing ISO certification for documenting MoESknowledge resources, its maintenance, easy retrieval and dissemination.
- Collect, collate, analyze, index, store and disseminate the intellectual resources, products and project outputs available in MoES headquarter and its institutes.
- Develop and maintain an up-to-date meta-data of the print & digital resources available in MoES headquarter and MoES institutes, including MoES services.
- Provide 24X7 access to the subscribed knowledge contents through the KRCNet portal.
- Application of information analytical tools & techniques like bibliometrics, scientometrics, big-data analytics, social media analytics etc., for policy formulation, report preparation and information dissemination.
- Periodically organize training workshops to popularize usage of electronic journals, databases, digital products, data analytics etc.
Ministry of Defence
IAF effort to contain Forest Fire at Katra
IAF has pressed into service its MLH class helicopter using Bambi Buckets, to contain the forest fire at Katra. The operations stared this morning wherein two helicopters, one each of the Daring Dragons and of Snow Leopards units, of the Western Air Command were launched. The heptrs filled in water from the Reasi water reservoir in the specially built Bambi Buckets which can carry approximately 2500 ltrs of water at a time.
The first drop was done in the area of the new track from Ardhkuwari to Bhawan. “Itswas a daunting task keeping in mind the challenging terrain and high tension cables in the area” said the captain of the lead aircraft Wing Commander Vikram.
Operation of these types requires special skills by the pilot who flies with a very heavy load underslung. “We trained to respond to these types of situations whenever demanded. The operations are scheduled to continue through the day till the fire is contained” said Wing Commander Rahul the captain of the second aircraft.
A reccee of the area was carried out yesterday to ascertain the complexities of the operations.
ARG/BBS
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Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Government is committed to double the income of the farmers: Shri Giriraj Singh
Agriculture with animal husbandry is the key to increase the farmers’ income, Shri Giriraj Singh says
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Giriraj Singh said that Modi government is putting all its efforts to double the farmers’ income. For the first-time Animal Husbandry, fisheries and dairying are separated from the agriculture department for this purpose. His ministry is taking all necessary steps to help the farmers to adopt livestock farming along with traditional agriculture. Agriculture with animal husbandry is the key to increase the farmers’ income, the Minister said while addressing the media persons in Ahmedabad today.
Shri Giriraj Singh said the government aimed to eliminate the Foot-and-Mouth Disease  in the next five years, because of which farmers normallylose 30% of their profit. For this,the government is working on increasing the immunity, proper vaccination, etc., he added. Minister also said that the fund has been allotted to eradicate the brucellosisas well.
Talking about the development and opportunities in the fisheries sector, Shri Giriraj Singh said that special fund has been allotted for ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsaya Sampada Yojana’ . The government is focusing on technology development for surveillance and security of fisherman and making them capable of deep sea fishing. Gujarat has a good opportunity in prawn export, he added.
Focusing on the need for breed improvement, the Minister said that the government is exploring the embryo transplant and IVF techniques to improve the breed.
Shri Giriraj Singh also held a meeting with the senior officials of the National Dairy Development Board and Amul Dairy in Ahmedabad today.
J.Khunt
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Ministry of Science & Technology
DST needs to invest in all sectors contributing to new & emerging challenges like Climate Change: Secretary DST
51 years of the Department of Science and Technology  sets the occasion for introspection of how far the mandate of the Department has been achieved and formulating the way forward, Secretary DST Dr S Chandrasekhar said at the 52nd Foundation Day celebrations today.
“DST was set up to build a scientific platform for funding S&T research in the country. Later, translation of research was also included in the mandate. The Department has been successful in coordinating S&T across the country through support to R&D and translation in S&T. It was successful in contributing S&T for overcoming the pandemic. However, new challenges are emerging, and the Department has to gear itself up to help the country face these challenges,” DST Secretary pointed out.
Drawing the global climate change challenge as an example, Dr Chandrasekhar said that DST needs to invest in sectors that contribute to global warming. “We need to be more sensible, more conscious to challenges and develop the best of technologies that are sustainable. We need to do our homework about how to do our work better and better,” he added.
Dr Chadrasekhar appreciated the efforts of all the divisions and the autonomous institutions, the INSPIRE  and other programmes that have ‘inspired’ stakeholders ranging from students at different levels, researchers, scholars and faculty, the women’s programmes that have touched many lives, the SERB which has helped attract talents and the TDB which has helped translation of R&D and ideas for benefits of people.
“We are fortunate to work in a sector whose effect is eternal and all-encompassing. The vaccine produced here and the technology developed here can have applications in different parts of the world. Hence we need to think of ways that can help us reach the benefits of S&T in more effective ways,” DST Secretary stressed.
Highlighting that DST has been the mother department, Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences, said that it was necessary for the two departments to work more closely and in areas where they can complement each other.
Prizes were distributed to employees of the Department who had won the different competitions ranging from cricket to music, quiz and poetry. A cricket bat and wickets developed by NECTAR, an autonomous institution of DST, was presented to the winners of the cricket tournament.
Senior Adviser, Dr Akhilesh Gupta, Shri Vishvajit Sahay, Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Shri Sunil Kumar, Jt Secretary, Dr Nisha Mendiratta, Head Climate Change Programme & WISE-KIRAN Division, participated in the programme, which was attended by Directors of Autonomous institutions along with DST officials.
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SNC/RR
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